On 18th October 2023, two house demolitions occurred in the Beit Hanina neighborhood in East Jerusalem. The demolitions were carried out by large police forces, and families received no prior notice. On 19th October 2023, we appealed (Hebrew) to the the Mayor of Jerusalem along with Ir Amim and Bimkom, demanding an end to house demolitions in East Jerusalem during the war.
In the appeal, attorney Tal Hasin claimed that house demolitions in East Jerusalem are an unacceptable phenomenon even in times of peace. This is due to the flawed planning in this part of the city, which does not allow residents to obtain building permits. Continuing these demolitions during the war, which leave dozens of people without a roof over their heads and shelter from missiles, is marked by extreme unreasonableness and unprecedented insensitivity.
The appeal stated, "The dispatching of huge bulldozers accompanied by significant security forces to carry out Palestinian house demolitions specifically during wartime is marked by extreme unreasonableness and is characterized by unprecedented insensitivity. Palestinians also need shelter from missiles and are exposed to the terrors of war and its horrors. This decision is shortsighted given the fragility of relationships with the residents of East Jerusalem, who suffer from continuous discrimination by all municipal and governing authorities."